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Hey everyone, I need some guidance about health insurance in the UK. I’m a student in the UK, and I’ve heard that the UK provides free health insurance for students through the National Health Service (NHS). But I don’t know how the process works or what steps I need to take to get this benefit.

 Please share your experience if any of you have gone through this process or have experience with applying for NHS coverage as a foreign student. I want to make sure that I can get healthcare services without worrying.

The NHS provides services to foreign students who are studying in the UK full-time for more than six months. As an international student, you will have to pay an immigration health surcharge (IHS) in order to access the NHS. This expense is unavoidable and must be covered when applying for a student visa.

How to Apply?

Before you can use NHS services, you must register with a general practitioner (GP) at a nearby medical facility or hospital. When you register with a general practitioner, you will be assigned an NHS number.

You must provide the following paperwork to your local doctor’s office, clinic, or medical center during business hours to register with a general practitioner:

  • Your passport
  • A letter from your university confirming your enrolment.
  • Any other immigration or visa paperwork

Be sure to request to be added to the National Health Service (NHS) patient list at the time of registration.

There will be both male and female doctors in the majority of GP surgeries.  When scheduling any upcoming GP visits, you can choose whether you would prefer to see a male or female physician. You may also be scheduled to see a practice nurse, who can treat and advise on a variety of minor conditions, depending on the reason for the appointment. Good Luck!👍